Hilo, Hawaiʻi – Dason Derego, 61, of Hamakua, has been sentenced to a 10-year prison term for sexual assault charges. The charges stem from incidents that occurred between September and December 2016. Prosecuting Attorney Kelden Waltjen announced the sentencing, which took place in Hilo Circuit Court on July 1, 2025.
This sentencing follows a 2019 indictment by a Hilo grand jury against Derego, then 55, on 20 counts of alleged repeated sexual assault of a teenage girl, who was identified as being at least 14 but younger than 16 years old at the time of the alleged assaults. The original charges in that indictment included both first-degree and third-degree sexual assault. While a search of Hawaiʻi court records at that time showed no felony convictions for Derego, he had previously posted $120,000 bail in connection with the charges.
Derego had previously entered “Guilty” pleas to five charges of Sexual Assault in the Second Degree on March 3, 2025. This likely reflects a plea agreement as part of the legal process.
During the sentencing hearing on July 1, the Court, after hearing arguments, sentenced Derego to a ten-year prison term for each of the five offenses. These sentences are to be served concurrently, meaning they run at the same time. Derego, who had been out of custody after posting $120,000 bail, was ordered to be taken into custody immediately to begin serving his sentence.
Sexual Assault in the Second Degree is classified as a Class B felony offense under Hawaiʻi law. This type of felony carries a potential penalty of either a ten-year prison term or five years of probation along with up to eighteen months in jail.
The felony investigation into Derego’s case was led by Detective Richard Itliong of the Hawaiʻi Police Department’s Area I Juvenile Aid Section. Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Haʻaheo Kahoʻohalahala prosecuted the case.
Support for Sexual Assault Survivors: If you or someone you know has experienced sexual assault, please seek a safe environment and reach out to a trusted friend or relative for support. You can report the sexual assault to the police by calling 911. The YWCA Hawaiʻi Island offers a 24-Hour Sexual Assault Crisis Hotline with advocates available seven days a week to provide support and advocacy. They can be reached at (808) 935-0677.